At a Glance
- Season 5 Volume 2 of Stranger Things wraps up major arcs before the finale.
- Will‘s sorcerer powers and Max‘s triumphant return headline the episode.
- The season mixes intense battles with deep character growth.
- Why it matters: Fans get a taste of the finale’s stakes while the show sets up its final chapter.
Season 5 Volume 2 of Stranger Things arrives on Netflix on December 31, closing a long-running saga. The episode delivers a mix of supernatural action and emotional beats, but it also leaves some viewers wanting more.
Highlights
The episode shines in several areas:
- Will explores his sorcerer abilities and delivers a powerful coming-out scene.
- Dustin and Steve reconcile after a tense brawl, reaffirming their friendship.
- Max escapes Vecna‘s mind and reunites with Lucas, a moment filled with humor and relief.
- The design of Vecna‘s lair in the Abyss, complete with giant teeth, captivates viewers.
- A Jurassic-Park-style showdown in the hospital basement ends with a dramatic tank explosion.
- Holly grows from a background character into a brave leader.
- Robin supports Will with humor and insight, boosting his confidence.
- Kali offers a counterpoint to Eleven, adding moral complexity.
- Pop-culture Easter eggs, from the Butthole Surfers debate to E.T. references, delight fans.
What Fell Short
Some elements felt underwhelming or repetitive:
- The frequent use of spinning wheels and pep-talks became tiresome.
- Eleven‘s arc was sidelined, with limited screen time and an easy escape from the Upside Down.
- Dr. Kay‘s character was one-dimensional, and Linda Hamilton‘s cameo felt shallow.
- The episode’s length-over an hour-was a challenge for viewers craving a quicker resolution.
- The reveal that the Upside Down is a wormhole felt like a retcon to many.
Character Arcs
Key character developments include:
- Will embraces sorcery and his identity, culminating in an emotional coming-out.
- Holly transitions from a side character to a courageous leader.
- Nancy and Jonathan confront their relationship, deciding to break up and move forward.
- Outsiders like Mr. Clarke and Mrs. Wheeler finally learn the truth about the Upside Down.
Overall Verdict
Season 5 Volume 2 delivers strong moments but also leaves gaps:
- The supernatural battles and character growth are highlights.
- Repetitive dialogue and underdeveloped arcs detract from the pacing.
- Fans will appreciate the setup for the finale, though some may feel disappointed by missing depth.
Key Takeaways
- Will‘s sorcerer powers and Max‘s return are pivotal.
- The season balances intense action with emotional growth.
- Certain character arcs, notably Eleven‘s, feel underused.
Season 5 Volume 2 sets the stage for the final chapter, offering both satisfying payoffs and unanswered questions.
